The Epistle - Bethany United Methodist Church

The Epistle
Volume 42, Issue 20
Leading people to experience God’s love, know Jesus Christ, and grow in His image.
May 15, 2016
Congratulations, 2016 Graduates! High School Graduates CEDAR PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Collyn Marie Burke, University of Texas at Austin
Claire Cantrell, The George Washington University
Ramsey Milan Jenschke, Tulane University
Stefan Paul Medley, Marine Reserves then Embry Riddle
Aeronautical University
Drew K Summers, University of Alabama
CEDAR RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Emily Anne Seiferman, U.S. Army
CHAPPARRAL STAR ACADEMY
Kiara Wallace, The University of Texas at Austin
HYDE PARK HIGH SCHOOL
John Clemens Detamore, University of Texas
LAGO VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
Brandon Johnson, University of Houston
LEANDER HIGH SCHOOL
Tyler Joseph Young, Stephen F. Austin State University
MASTERS LEARNING INSTITUTE
Benjamin Griffin Sims, Austin Community College
MCNEIL HIGH SCHOOL
Josie Johnson, Texas Christian University
Anna Katz, University of North Texas
Samuel Eckert, University of North Texas
Riley Josephine Young, The University of Texas at Austin
David Elliott, Austin Community College then Business School
ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL
Alexander Aaron Auerbach, Austin Community College
Jack Cantrell, Texas Tech University
ROUSE HIGH SCHOOL
Connor Doolittle, London School of Economics
VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Charlie Boatman, Ft. Hays State University
WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Kaylin Elizabeth Dittmer, Texas State University - Nursing
Christian Charles Dittmer, college undecided, plans to study
architecture
Colton Hendricks, University of Houston
Grant Hovey, Virginia Tech, College of Engineering
Brittany Hull, undecided
Zachary King, The University of Texas at Austin
Blake Lawson, Texas Tech
Sydney Lyne, University of Kansas
Claire Reeves, University of North Texas - Forensic Science
Philip Roth, University of North Texas
Grant Scott Saxon, Stevenson University-Baltimore, MD
Daniel Solomon, University of Arizona - Tempe
Samantha Lee Suter, Texas A&M University
Makenzie Zintgraff, University of North Texas
College/University Graduates
Daniel Allred, University of North Texas, B.A. - Decision
Sciences. August 2015
Bailey Barton, Texas A&M, B.S. - Recreation, Park & Tourism
Youth Development. May 2016
Allison Elizabeth Blaschke, Texas A&M University, B.S. Community Health. May 2016
Parker Thomas Blaschke, Texas A&M University, B.S. Construction Science. May 2016
J T. Dettman, University of Texas, B.B.A. - Supply Chain
Management. May 2016
Steven LaBelle, University of Texas, B.S. - Biomedical
Engineering. May 2016
Reid Langehennig, Stephen F. Austin State University, B.A. Communication Studies and Religious Studies. May 2016
Chris Langfeld, University of Texas at Austin, B.S. - Health
Promotion. Minor - Business. May 2016
Savannah Lee, University of Texas at Dallas, B.S. - Speech
Language Pathology and Audiology
Kelsey McCulloch, Tarleton State University, B.S. Horticulture Business. May 2016
MacKenzie McCulloch, South Plains College, Cosmetology
License. May 2016
Ethan McDaniel, University of North Texas, B.S. - Chemistry.
Minors - Biology, Criminal Justice. May 2016
John McGlothlin III, Indiana University, Ph.D. - Literature,
Minor - Cultural Studies. May 2016
Samantha McGlothlin, Vanderbilt University, Master of
Divinity. May 2016
Dustin Muir, University of Texas School of Law, Juris
Doctorate Law. May 2016
Kelly Shoenfelt, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Master of Divinity,
May your
2016 plans for Holy Week. Join
Make
Haley Woods, University
of
Texas at Austin,
B.A.
English,
us for worship.
See page
3 -for
details.
Minor - Teaching. May 2016
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From the Pastor
Fashionably Late, or Right on God’s Time “I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ ‐ Matthew 20: 14b‐15 It’s not too late. Whether you are reading about the sermon series’ “homework” assignment for the first time, or smacking yourself on the head because we’ve invited you for a few weeks now to pray the Lord’s Prayer three times a day, when you begin the work, you are coming into God’s time. Kairos means the supreme moment or opportune time. Something significant happens in God’s time. Lives are changed, love is shared, spiritual growth happens. Praying the Lord’s Prayer with the intention of really being in conversation with God, speaking and listening to God, transports you into kairos. Do it and you will be amazed at what can happen between you and God. Compare that to the time we run on, measured by seconds and minutes and hours, our chronos time of day after day, after week, month, year...time that is more concerned with quantity than quality. God is beyond our human measures of time and not limited by our schedules and calendars. God’s movement in what we call time is always right when it needs to be, exactly when God’s kingdom breaks in and upsets our carefully constructed ideas of how and when things are supposed to go. I used to struggle with the story of the laborers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1‐16. It is so unfair! Those who show up on time and early surely deserve more than the slackers who roll in mid‐ to late‐afternoon. My mind was limited to thinking in worldly terms of fairness and getting what we deserve. You work all day, you get a day’s wage. Show up an hour before it’s time to clock out, and you should be fired. God’s credit to us runs on something that is not fair at all, and now I can be ever so grateful for that. Having been absent from the family of God for several years, I am beyond thankful that I am still counted among the laborers. The one who invites us to labor for the kingdom seeks workers “early in the morning…nine o’clock…about noon…about three o’clock, and about five o’clock”. In the gospel of Matthew, he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ The loiterers respond, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ Can you imagine it – someone is left out of the glorious work of God simply because they didn’t get word to come. How often do you fail to bring someone into God’s vineyard? Are you judging them as late to the work? Do you see them as unqualified for the task at hand? How often have you failed to be that invitation simply because you presumed they would say no, reject the offer you made? Those things may all be true. Even so, we are not asked to run a background check before we offer God’s invitation to come in to His kingdom work, whether that is praying, worshipping, serving, studying. Ok, we do have to run background checks, but don’t get distracted by the red tape. We are part of God’s hiring staff, sent out to bring back as many workers as we can when we can. The clock is only ticking in the lifetime we have to do this work, not in God’s ability to pay the workers in full with the gift of Christ. Don’t hesitate to invite someone into God’s company, to share the opportunity with others in God’s ministry. There’s no better time than right now to seek kairos. Blessings in the journey,
Prayers
CELEBRATIONS: BIRTHS: John Wolfgang Schranghamer born to Jeff & Joy Schranghamer (grandparents John & Charlotte Matzinger —May CONCERNS: HOSPITALIZED IN TOWN: Maxine Feistel; Sharon Leach; Noelle Malcom; Samantha Suter HOSPITALIZED OUT‐OF‐TOWN: Everett Deschner (Elizabeth Nettles’ father) ‐ San Antonio; Richard Kasel (Russell Haines’
cousin) ‐ WV; Fern Vitale (Michelle Cantrell’s mother)
DEATHS: Janet Buckley (Tim Buckley’s mother) ‐ 5/8; Sonny Davis ‐ 5/5; Ben Glusing (Sally Foster’s father) ‐ 5/3 Kingsville; Audene Towse (Kathryn Towse’s mother) ‐ 5/6 “You know the mistake people make is that God is so good at turning bad stuff into something beautiful that people think that He sent it. That’s
not it. It’s His goodness because He has the ability to take something that looks like trash, and turn it around, and make it beautiful.”
– Paul Manwaring
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9:30 Chapel Service (Taizé) Opportunities for Service Once‐a‐month volunteers are needed for the 9:30 Taizé Service in Grimes Chapel. Volunteer opportunities include: Candle Steward, Communion Steward & Server, Prayer Partner, Chapel Steward. For more info, contact Debbie Adams: debbie.adams@sbcglobal.net Group Piano Class (ages 4‐6 & 7‐8) ʺPiano Made FUN for the Young” is an early childhood piano curriculum designed to teach and reinforce the basics of piano study in a spirit of FUN, PLAYFULNESS, and SUCCESS. The curriculum consists of Sing‐Along activity books with CDʹs and leveled piano books with CDʹs. Notes and concepts are taught at a careful and steady pace, giving students a solid foundation without moving too quickly. This six‐week class starts Tuesday, July 5, from 2:00‐2:30 pm for 4‐6 year olds, and from 2:30‐3:00 pm for 7‐8 year olds. The last class is August 9 with a summer recital that day. Tuition is $100 (per person) for the entire course, with a $10 registration fee (per family). Voice Performance Class (ages 6‐11 & 12‐14) Bring in your favorite songs and let’s learn them! Our vocal director uses the keyboard to lead vocal exercises, harmonies, and recorded accompaniment for solos and ensemble work. Whether you like pop, country, blues, or rock and roll this class prepares you for the spot light! This six‐week class starts Tuesday, July 5, from 3:00‐4:00 pm for 6‐11 year olds, and from 4:00‐5:00 pm for 12‐14 year olds. The last class is August 9 with a vocal recital that day. Tuition is $120 (per person) for the entire course, with a $10 registration fee (per family). These classes are taught by Susanna Silvestro, an experienced music educator, who instructs in piano and voice. To register or get more information, email jill.johnson@bethany‐umc.org or call 512‐258‐6017 x229. You can also visit www.bethany‐umc.org/finearts. Sermon Topics: For the full series list and for audio recordings
of past sermons, please visit the website at
www.bethany‐umc.org.
The Lord’s Prayer April 23/24 5:00, 8:15 & 11:00 Cantata: Our Father 9:30 & 12:30 Pray Without Ceasing Apr 30/May 1 Our Father in Heaven May 7/8 Holy Is Your Name May 14/15 Let Your Kingdom Come May 21/22 Give Us This Day May 28/29 Forgive Us June 4/5 Lead Us Not Into Temptation June 11/12 Power and Glory SPRING CONCERT Sunday, May 15 4 p.m. Sanctuary Make your plans now to attend the 17th annual Spring Concert on Sunday, May 15, at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This program, presented by the music ministry of Bethany UMC, has become a springtime favorite and promises to be a wonderful hour of music in a variety of styles including sacred, gospel, contemporary and secular music. It is the perfect opportunity to invite someone to visit Bethany for the first time. The concert will feature instrumental music by our Bethany Orchestra and the Bethany ’Bones (trombone ensemble), plus handbell music by our two adult bell choirs (Bethany Bells and Hallelujah Ringers) and our youth bell choir (JuBELLation). The Spring Concert will also feature choral music presented by our youth choir (PURE SOUND), our women’s ensemble (Grace Notes) and our men’s ensemble (Journeymen). This is a program you won’t want to miss. Come and invite your friends and family to this free concert. Page 3
READY TO JOIN BETHANY?
Family Prayer Team
Come to our Connection Celebration!
We need a few more folks for BUMC’s Family Prayer Team.
-
Sunday, May 15
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Grimes Chapel (by the Ministry Center)
-
Learn about our history and service opportunities,
meet pastors and ministry staff, and participate in a
simple membership ceremony!
BUMC has ~ 1,600 households with ~ 4,200 folks & growing
FPT Pray-Ers lift these folks up in prayer at least 1x / month
There are just enough Pray-Ers to serve the current need
We need a handful more to help if a Pray-Er has to drop & as we
continue to be blessed with a growing membership.
Contact Rick Markle, (512) 971-9125
and/or rmarkle1000x@gmail.com
RSVP to jill.johnson@bethany-umc.org or 512-258-6017
Childcare available with advance notice.
Bethany School Diaper Drive
for Austin Diaper Bank
Fasting Challenge
JD Walt of Seedbed has issued the next Fasting Challenge. It is for 40 Days, which is actually 40 weeks as it is one day per week. Cindi and I participated in the last challenge and were deeply blessed by it. As always, please give due consideration to any medical conditions which might affect your participation. For details and to sign up, go to www.seedbed.com/fasting and Be Blessed! ‐ Pastor Tom We are collecting diapers, wipes,
diaper creams and bed pads until
May 27th. There is a container in
the Preschool hall near the main
entrance.
Find more information about this
nonprofit at www.Austindiapers.org
“Whatever you do to the least of
these you do to Me.ʺ Jesus‐ Matthew 25:40 Sign up to be on a Summer Mission Trip Prayer Team! Donʹt forget to stop by the Ministry Center this Sunday to pick up
your pre‐assembled Bags of Grace! Cost is still just $3 each. Tax‐deductible donations are always appreciated. Your gifts help
support the hundreds of ʹBags of Graceʹ delivered to the homeless
at ʹChurch Under the Bridgeʹ each month. Thank you!! ʹBags of Graceʹ is a non‐profit 501(c)3 organization. Creative Coloring! Come relax, have fun, and build relationships with others who want to color and be creative. Coloring for adults is very therapeutic—no fees, no pressure! We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month in the Ministry Center, 10am to noon. Questions? Call Linda Winn at 512‐657‐5118. Childcare is available for $5 per child per session.
Contact christin.smith@bethany‐umc.org in advance.
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One of the ways we can support student mission teams as a congregation is by praying for each team and the work they do during their trip. You can sign up to be on the prayer team for one or more of theses teams online at http://
www.bethany‐umc.org/ministries/student/missions/prayer‐
partner. You can also sign up in the ministry center on the following dates: April 24, May 8 or May 22. If you choose to be on a prayer team for one of the trips, you will receive a daily email during the trip with specific things that the team needs prayers for. We will be asking people to sign up for these prayer teams instead of doing prayer partner cards this year, because we want to give more people in our congregation a chance to pray for specific things that come up during each trip. The power of God on these trips is most important, so sign up to join a prayer team and ask God to do big things through our student mission teams! Adult Discipleship
The Wednesday Evening Bible Study is taking a look at the minor prophets, starting with Jonah. We place an emphasis on looking at the history, context and language of Scriptures. Join us from 7‐7:45pm in the Ministry Center, right after the mid‐week worship service. For more information, contact Jimmy Johnson at jimmysmusic@hotmail.com. Walk ins always welcome. Disciples Under Construction are studying The Attributes of God. This study of ten attributes of God teaches us ʺwhat God is likeʺ and restores our knowledge of who God is. Our class consists of couples & singles, kids & no kids, ages late 20ʹs ‐ 40ʹs, but we are open to all. Join us at 9:30 in room D205. Contact Jenna Duke at jenna.a.duke@gmail.com. Interpreters Class is studying AHA, by Kyle Idleman, at 9:30 in room 203‐204. We have all had ʹahaʹ moments in our lives...times when a sudden revelation surprises us with insight. We can experience this same kind of ʹahaʹ in our spiritual lives. Join us to learn how. For more information contact Ray Speas at rdspeas50@aol.com or 512‐331‐6070. LIFE Class will be following The Lord’s Prayer sermon series and using the questions in the bulletin as a starting point for discussion. All are invited and welcome to join us at 11:00 in D‐305/306. For more info contact Tom Guyton, TWGuyton@gmail.com or Gail Gourley, gail@gourley.com
Contemplative Sojourners Class is studying Biblical Literalism by John Shelby Spong. Spong annotates the Gospel of Matthew and so provides a blueprint for the churchʹs future ‐ one that allows the faithful to live inside the Christian Story while still embracing the modern world. We invite you to come join us at 9:30 in room D213. Contact Ceci Hanson at cecicool13@gmail.com. Covenant Class has begun a chronological look at the entire Bible (currently in Genesis). This discussion class not only explores the historical purpose of the Bible, but also the contemporary life application. Join us at 9:30am in room D203/204. For more information, contact Mel Barrentine at 512‐312‐9869. Come join the Discovery Class as we study Dallas Willard’s book The Divine Conspiracy. We will discuss the true meaning of discipleship and what it means to ʺapprenticeʺ ourselves to Jesus. Dallas Willard discusses Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount and explores life‐changing ways to experience and be guided by God on a daily basis, resulting in a more authentic and dynamic faith. Study ends on May 15th. Contact Robert Snipes, rsnipes@yahoo.com Friendship Class has started The Call — The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul. This study by Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor of Church of the Resurrection, covers Paul’s background, conversion and extensive ministry. Join us at 9:30am in Room D206‐207. Contact Cliff Wells at 512‐335‐2260 Searchers Class is studying the book of Genesis. Join them at 9:30 in room D305/306. For more information, contact Linda McLeod at lindaaustinl@austin.rr.com, or 512‐494‐6270. Mark Your Calendars for Summer Musical Fun with Curt Olson! Wow!! Plan to take both opportunities this summer to enjoy the exciting musical singing, acting and dancing performances of our own Director of Music Ministries, Curt Olson. First, from June 17 ‐ 19 and June 24 ‐ 26, Curt will perform with the Lake Travis Music Theater as Reuben/Butler in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a musical based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. It will be playing Friday evening through Sunday afternoon both weekends at the Lago Vista High School Performing Arts Center. Other Bethany actors in this production include Jennifer Tucker, Ann Moeller and Sam Todd. The Bethany Primetimers plan to attend the Sunday, June 26, matinee performance at 2 p.m. To join them contact Shirley Leydecker @ 512‐219‐5842 for reservations. Later in the summer, Curt joins the company of actors at the TexArts Theater in Lakeway as Sherriff Earl in All Shook Up, performed weekends August 12 ‐ 14 and August 19 ‐ 21. A whole lotta shakin’ will be goin’ on when the music of Elvis Presley takes center stage in this madcap Broadway musical comedy that blends the rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and rockabilly hits made famous by the King of Rock and Roll and the best of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” For more information and to purchase tickets, refer to websites for both theaters. Page 5
Student Ministries
Sunday, May 15 Graduation Sunday
Sunday School
9:30 & 11:00
Graduation Luncheon
12:30-2:00
No MS Bible Study
Spring Concert
4:00-5:00
Fuel Jam
5:00-6:00
Fuel HS youth group
6:00-8:00
Wednesday, May 18
Ignite Jam
5:00-6:00
Ignite MS youth group
6:00-8:00
HS Bible Study
6:30-8:00
Sunday, May 22
Sunday School
9:30 & 11:00
VBS Brownsville mission team mtg 12:30-2:00
Mt TOP training session #3
2:00-4:00
MS Bible Study
3:00-4:00
Fuel Jam Band
5:00-6:00
Fuel HS youth group
6:00-8:00
Volunteer to help with VBS.
2016 MISSION TRIP
June 13-16 or
Team Meetings
June 20-23
www.bethany-umc.org/vbs
 Mountain TOP -
Training #3
May 22 @ 2:00-3:30
 PURE SOUND Tour - meeting tbd
 VBS
Brownsville
- Meeting #1 May 22 @ 12:15-2:15
Meeting #2 July 10 @ 6:00p.m.
Students in 6th-12th grade are encouraged to
volunteer. On Tuesday, June 21st youth volunteers
and 5th grader VBS class participants can go to
JumpStreet after VBS. Cost $17.
Student Ministries End-of-Year Pool Parties
Fuel
Ignite
High School Youth Group
Middle School Youth Group
Sunday, May 22
6 - 8pm
Wednesday, May 25
6 - 8pm
at TBA
at the White’s
We provide hotdogs, hamburgers and lemonade,
Boys: please bring chips, veggies or other snack food
Know What’s UP in
Student Ministries:
Yahoo:
BethanyYouthNewssubcribe@yahoogroups.com
Facebook: Bethany Student
Ministries Rock!
Web: www.bethany-umc.org/
ministry/student
Twitter: @bumcstudents
Instagram:
Girls: please bring cookies, brownies or similar desserts
(Appropriate swimwear is required)
Get directions in the church office
Find Event and Fundraising info online: www.bethany-umc.org/ministries/student
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Children’s Ministries
*Those completing 5th grade attend 2nd week only
.VBS
is for children going into Kindergarten
(will turn 5 by Sept 1, 2016) through completing 5th grade.
At the Surf Shack, children encounter God’s awesomeness through
Bible stories and learn how we’re meant to experience
an epic adventure each day. Register your children for
4 days of exploring a deeper understanding of God’s amazing love!
The cost is $25 for children going into Kindergarten through completing
5th grade. With a 4-day adult volunteer present on campus during VBS,
the cost is $20 for children Kinder-5th grade and younger children
may attend at no cost. Scholarships are available.
A Crew Leader:
 Participates in fun and interactive activities
 Gets to see how God is working in children
 Does not have to prep anything



Enjoys children
Shepherds young hearts
Loves to laugh
Volunteers receive a free t-shirt and a discount on their child's registration.
With a 4-day adult volunteer present on campus during VBS, the cost is $20
for children Kinder-5th grade and younger children may attend at no cost.
Scholarships are available.
Contact Information - Main phone number for Bethany - 512-258-6017
Registration & general questions - Jen Seibel at ext 233 or jen.seibel@bethany-umc.org
Questions about volunteering - Judith Sellers at ext 413 or judith.sellers@bethany-umc.org
Page 7
The Epistle
Weekly Church Newsletter
The Epistle is published weekly (except Christmas) by Bethany
United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Rd., Austin,
TX 78750
Worship this Weekend 10010 Anderson Mill Rd.
Austin, TX 78750
512-258-6017
Website: bethany-umc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
bethanyumc
Twitter: @BethanyUMCATX
Return Service Requested
Pastor Wynn Stenftenagel
preaching 5/14 and 5/15
“Let Your Kingdom Come” Music Provided By:
5:00pm Saturday Worship Team
8:15 &11am Journeymen, Bethany Bells,
SonShine Singers/Chancel Choir
9:30a & 12:30p Messengers of Grace
9:30a Chapel Meditation Pastor David Minnich
Saturday Worship Sunday Worship Sunday Chapel Communion Service Sunday School Sunday High School Worship Mid‐Week Worship Wednesday Middle School Worship 5:00 p.m. 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. If you would like to subscribe to receive this weekly newsletter by mail or email, contact the church office at 512‐258‐6017. What’s Inside
Feature Article ...................................... 1
Congratulations, 2016 Graduates!
Coming Up
From Pastor Wynn Stenftenagel: ........ 2 Fashionably Late, or Right on God’s Time Sunday, May 15 Adult Ministries.................................... 5 Monday, May 16 Bethany Fine Arts Academy ............... 3 Tuesday, May 17 Chapel Volunteers ................................ 3 Children’s Ministries ........................... 7 8:30 a.m. Fundraiser Breakfast in the Café 11:00 a.m. Pastors’ Baptism Class 12:00 p.m. Connection Celebration (see p.4)
4:00 p.m. Spring Concert (see p.3)
4:00 p.m. Mobile Loaves & Fishes Meal Prep (p.4)
8:00 a.m. Job Support Ministry 10:00 a.m. Creative Coloring (see p.4)
Creative Coloring ................................. 4 Wednesday, May 18 5:15 p.m. Fellowship Dinner (see below)
6:30 p.m. Mid‐week Worship (see p.6)
7:00 p.m. Midweek Bible Study
Missions ................................................. 4 Friday, May 20 4:00 p.m. Mobile Loaves & Fishes Meal Prep (p.4)
Saturday, May 21 5:00 p.m. Saturday Worship Connection Celebration ....................... 4 Prayer ............................................. 2, 4 Sermon Topics ...................................... 3 Spring Concert ...................................... 3 A complete calendar listing can be found outside the church office and on the Bethany website. Student Ministries ................................ 6 Menu for Wednesday, May 18: Summer Theater ................................... 5 Lasagna, Green Beans or Broccoli, Garlic Bread, Salad & Dessert Kids’ Choice: Pizza & Fruit Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches are also available.
Wednesday evenings in Fellowship Hall, 5:15—6:30 p.m. Adults $7, Senior & Youth $6, Kids $4, Family Max $23
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